Sure, San Diego is famous for some of the best surf and swim in the country, but did you know that food truck surf & turf is also one of its specialties?
With so many fresh, tasty, and unique options, thanks to Roaming Hunger, finding and booking the best food trucks and cuisines in SD doesn’t have to cause a headache.
We’ve created the ultimate guide to San Diego food truck catering to help you hire the best local caterers for your next event. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor occasion, for friends and family or for your favorite coworkers, the food trucks below will make any kind of event more delicious.
(Added Perk: we listed the cuisines each truck serves and what kind of occasions they’re best for — we love making your search easier than catching a wave in La Jolla.)
So, let’s dive into some of the yummiest food trucks around and our best advice on how to hire them faster than you can say “hang ten.”
TACO TRUCKS
If you know SoCal, then you know thattaco truck catering is like breathing air — and there’s a delicious, freshly made Mexican morsel around every corner. Start your morning meetings with breakfast tacos or burritos, take a midday break with birria, or end the night with al pastor. Here are our top 3 taco takeaways perfect for any San Diego day or night.
Being born and bred in San Diego, the owner of Taco Picasso knows their neighborhoods and which tacos are most popular amongst locals. From traditional street tacos to Korean BBQ and Grilled Cactus tacos, they know how to throw together a tantalizing taco time.
Everything at Taco Love Mobile Catering comes loaded — from the loaded fries smothered in cotija, tomatoes, and avocado crema, to the cheesy burritos and enchiladas your guests won’t be able to resist. It’s a love for Mexican food no one at your event will soon forget!
Great for: Small and Large Events, Corporate Catering Cuisine: Mexican, Nachos, Taco Bar, Burritos, Vegetarian
From Quesbirria to Quesadilla, the queso is always flowing’ with the roamin’ Tacos El Rorro. Mouthwatering ceviche, sopas, and crispy tortillas are the name of the game for this seasoned Mexican food trailer. Great for: Family Events, Weddings, Huge Events Cuisine: Burritos, Fish & Chips, Tortas, Mexican
PIZZA TRUCKS
Wood-fired, authentic, and smothered in fresh mozzarella cheese is the only way to go to get the best pizza possible. And these pizza catering food trucks have that in spades. Get ready for the Italian vacation of your life without ever stepping foot out of state.
Truly Neapolitan pizza that’ll bring your mind right to Capri, Italy is a guarantee with Cucina Caprese. Their drool-worthy dough made without sugar, oil, or vinegar is an authentic peak into traditional pizzas you won’t soon forget. Great for: Fancy Events, Weddings, Office Parties Cuisine: Pizza
Fired up right in the back of a 1974 American LaFrance yellow fire truck, Dang Brother Pizza is making dang good wood-fired pizzas. Their 800+ degree cooking surface is ready to cook up something scrumptious everyone will adore. Great for: Corporate Catering, Family and Kid-Friendly Events, Small to Large Events Cuisine: Pizza, Calzone, Garlic Bread
There are more mouthwatering options at URBN Pizza than almost any other food truck around. They can serve 50 pizzas an hour on top of having a license to serve alcohol — everything you need for your party is prepped and professionally dished out in one place. Great for: Huge Events, Corporate Catering, Weddings, On-Set Catering Cuisine: Pizza, Wings, Sandwiches, Salads, Dessert
BURGER TRUCKS
San Diego has big, juicy, and meaty (or not!) burgers on lock! From smothered in blue cheese to topped with an over-easy egg, these made-from-scratch sensations will delight guests at any type of event. Check out some of the over-the-top options that San Diego burger food truck catering has to offer.
Owner Leslie brings East Coast-style eats directly from Brooklyn to San Diego with her feel-good fare. Dive into a beef, turkey, or veggie burger but don’t miss out on her wide array of toppings, sides, and dessert indulgence. Great for: Festivals, Office Parties, Small to Large Events Cuisine: Burgers, Sandwiches, Meatballs, Mac N’ Cheese
From LA to SD, Baby’s Burgers (also known as Baby’s Badass Burgers) is doling out delightful, spicy, cheesy, BBQ sauce, and veggie-topped burgers to anyone and everyone who loves a classic American bite. Great for: Corporate Catering, Weddings, Family and Kid-Friendly Events Cuisine: Burgers
DESSERT TRUCKS
Sweets have a special spot in the hearts of San Diegans. There’s a treat in store for every one of your attendees when you bring in one of SD’s incredible dessert truck caterers. Find the perfect dessert to hit your sweet spot!
At Danky Donuts, their self-proclaimed “dank” toppings set them and their glazed, chocolate-drizzled, or powdered donuts apart. Wash their sweet and doughy donuts down with freshly roasted coffee — you’ll love them so much, you may even be open to sharing. Great for: Family and Kid-Friendly Events, On-Set Catering, Corporate Catering Cuisine: Donuts, Cookies
Breakfast, lunch, or dessert, you can’t go wrong with crunchy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside Belgium waffles. Husband and wife team Phillipe and Lynda are bringing homemade delicacies with ingredients flown in from Brussels to very satisfied SoCal waffle lovers. Great for: Fancy Affairs, Family and Kid-Friendly Events, Small Events Cuisine: Belgian Waffles, Sweet, Savory
With 2 food trucks driving around, providing San Diego with soft, sweet, and refreshing Italian ice, the Gelü Italian Ice Food Truck can be wherever your event is taking place. Great for: Family and Kid-Friendly Events, Huge Events, Office Parties Cuisine: Vegan, Vegetarian, Italian Ice, Gluten-Free
A COUPLE OF FOOD TRUCK CATERERS WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE
Anything you’re craving can be hand-crafted and brought right to your door anywhere in San Diego. With fusion tastes, tons of Mexican and South American eats, Asian sensations, and Mediterranean so good it’ll make you blush, we know you’ll find just what you’re looking for with these food trucks. From fancy occasions to beachside bashes, boba or kabob, you really can’t miss with a great food truck that’ll leave you wanting to leave a glowing review.
Sit back and relax with friends or coworkers as you sip a Fruit Slush, Mango Green Tea Boba, or Root Beer Float. Everyday feels like a summer day when you’re serving hand-dipped ice cream, churro sundaes, and lemonade from a beachy, beloved food truck. Great for: Corporate Catering, Weddings, Huge Events Cuisine: Boba, Smoothies, Ice Cream, Burgers, Hot Dogs
Savor fresh Greek eats while also having many Mexican and American options at your fingertips! Authentic gyro and souvlaki are sure to excite guests with their savory, well-spiced flavors — we know they’ve got us hooked! Great for: On-Set Catering, Corporate Catering, Family Events Cuisine: Mediterranean, Kebabs, Mexican, American
HOW TO BOOK A FOOD TRUCK FOR CATERING
Now that you’ve seen what catering San Diego has to offer, let’s discuss the nuts and bolts of renting a food truck. Here are some things to do in order to make sure your food truck catering goes smoothly.
Once you have all your event details, you can use a food truck booking service like Roaming Hunger. Not only do they know all the best food trucks for catering in San Diego, including the ones mentioned above, but they also make hiring a food truck super easy.
Finalize your budget
Food truck catering costs can range $10-$35 per guest, so it’s useful to have a budget range, depending on the number of attendees you’re expecting at your event.
Once you know how many guests will be at your event, decide on the number of food trucks you need. We recommend 1 food truck for every 150-200 attendees (though you can always rent more than one to give your attendees variety).
Before you book a food truck, be sure to verify the number of attendees your truck says they can serve on an hourly basis.
Select menu and cuisine options
With so many great cuisine and diverse menu options, there’s a food truck in San Diego to cater to everyone’s palate and dietary preferences (from vegan to gluten-free to halal).
Most food trucks have catering packages to choose from based on your budget and the number of guests. Some food trucks will provide a main course and side dish options, while others will allow you to choose one or more items that they will bring to serve. Some will also customize their menu based on your requests — it’s a great way to elevate your attendees’ experience!
Check local food truck regulations
If your event is on public property or at a park, ensure that you have all the essential documents in order — such as a city permit. If you need one, they’re relatively easy to obtain.
If it’s on private property, you might just need the owner’s permission. Also, make sure that your food truck contains any registration and certification required to operate in San Diego.
Choose a location
Select a suitable location for your event where food trucks are permitted to park and can easily be seen by your attendees. Ensure that the parking space is large enough and on flat ground, with no low-hanging branches or any other obstacles that could be in the way.
Now that you have everything you need to know about food truck rentals, it’s time to start planning. Go forth and make your next event a roaring success!
To learn more about food trucks in San Diego and food truck rentals, visit roaminghunger.com.
Article and images courtesy of Roaming Hunger.
Studio S
JUNE 15, 2026
A Modern Take on Steak
Stake Chophouse & Bar brings contemporary classics and old-school service to the heart of
Coronado
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
The iconic 1,200-acre preserve’s history dates back more than 150 years, evolving from a scrub-filled plot atop a mesa overlooking what’s now Downtown to an urban oasis—the largest of its kind in the country—filled with an array of museums, attractions, gardens, trails, restaurants, and more. Balboa Park is an epic playground where San Diegans and visitors alike can experience the great outdoors just as easily as they can enjoy a world-class performance or explore groundbreaking discoveries.
Tucked away in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture are 18 diverse museums that allow visitors to spend the day learning about, well, anything. A great place to start is the San Diego History Center. Located in the Casa del Balboa building, the museum tells the story of the city’s past, present, and future through photographs and art, clothing and textiles, and interviews with people who witnessed history-making events firsthand. The San Diego Natural History Museum takes visitors even farther back with interactive exhibitions that show what the region was like up to 75 million years ago.
Blast off on a simulated trip to space at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, then check out artifacts from aviation legends, including the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and Buzz Aldrin. Discover new perspectives revolutionizing the science world, learn about an often overlooked but overutilized utility, and exercise your creativity at the Fleet Science Center.
Calling all theater-lovers, Balboa Park has something for you, too. The San Diego Junior Theatre will present their musical take on beloved children’s book A Bad Case of the Stripes from June 26 through July 12. And laugh, cry, and marvel in awe as the pros of The Old Globe perform Kim’s Convenience, the award-winning comedy that inspired the popular series, from May 15 to June 14.
There’s nowhere else in Balboa Park quite like WorldBeat Cultural Center. The institution celebrates African diaspora and indigenous cultures around the world using art, music, dance, and education. The building, a renovated water tower covered in colorful murals, houses a performing arts center, museum, gift shop, cafe, and outdoor classroom.
If you’d like a side of nature with your culture, Balboa Park has you covered there, too. Stroll through the gardens of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, a monument to the relationship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama, Japan. Inspired by traditional Japanese design dating back centuries, the 10-acre respite features a living exhibition that showcases plants native to both cities.
If there seems like a lot going on in Balboa Park, it’s because there is. Let theBalboa Park Cultural Partnership be your guide. The organization is the umbrella for 24 of the park’s institutions and offers an Explorer Pass that allows visitors to access multiple museums for one affordable price. The hardest part is picking where to start.
16 Museums, One Pass
Save on admission to San Diego’s top museums with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Explore 16 museums of art, science, history and culture across Balboa Park — all with one affordable pass. Choose the option that fits your pace: the Limited Pass (one day for up to four museums), the Parkwide Pass (seven consecutive days of access to all 16 museums) or the Annual Pass (365 days of unlimited exploring).
Looking for an experience-driven gift? Let the museum lover in your life enjoy their favorite museums all year with a Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass gift voucher.
Bigger experiments, brighter ideas, and boundless curiosity await at the newly reimagined Fleet Science Center. This summer, the Fleet debuts Element 8 Cafe, an expanded theater queuing and concessions space, two new gallery spaces, and, for the first time, a free entrance gallery exploring science in and around San Diego. The transformation marks a new chapter for the Fleet, keeping it a vital, innovative, and accessible science hub for the region. Visitors are invited to explore the experience this summer and connect with the power of science like never before.
Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:FleetScience.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Phone: 619-238-1233
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
An accredited cultural gem, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum brings traditional Japanese garden design to life with koi ponds, curving walkways and layers of greenery. Guests explore bonsai trees, streams and peaceful nooks while taking part in exhibits, educational programs and festivals that illuminate Japanese culture. Situated in the heart of Balboa Park, the garden doubles as a meditative retreat and a dynamic gathering place, welcoming visitors to slow their pace and connect more deeply.
Address: 2215 Pan American Road E, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:Niwa.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; last admission at 6 p.m. Phone: 619-232-2721
The Old Globe
A San Diego summer favorite, The Old Globe invites audiences to experience a beloved local tradition in its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.
This summer, the 2026 Shakespeare Festival presents two thrilling tales of power, passion and romance. Measure for Measure, running June 14 through July 12, 2026, is a riveting story of justice and hypocrisy that asks who holds power, who is punished and what it truly means to be virtuous. Much Ado About Nothing, playing Aug. 2–30, 2026, is a classic rom-com packed with schemes, sparks and laughter as opposites attract. Audiences can enjoy both shows for $44.
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:TheOldGlobe.org Hours: Box office open Tuesday–Sunday, 1 p.m. to final curtain Phone: Box office, 619-234-5623
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Aviation and space exploration come to life at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. See an airworthy replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, a Gee Bee racer and historic aircraft from World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam eras. Get up close to the Apollo 9 command module — one of only 11 of its kind in the world — along with Mercury and Gemini capsules, Mission Control and space shuttle simulators, and a selfie spot beside a lunar lander on the moon. Running through 2026, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brings oddities from around the world to Balboa Park.
Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 619-234-8291
San Diego History Center
History belongs to everyone. At the San Diego History Center, two experiences bring that history to life this summer: America at 250 and the Center for Women’s History. America at 250 traces San Diego’s place in 250 years of U.S. history, while summer programs invite children to learn and explore. The Center for Women’s History amplifies the voices of women whose leadership and creativity have shaped our region.
By understanding our past, we build a more vibrant and inclusive community together. These vital educational experiences are only possible through generous community support. Discover your roots, spark meaningful dialogue, and help keep San Diego’s stories alive for future generations.
Address: 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101 Website: SanDiegoHistory.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday Phone: 619-232-6203
San Diego Junior Theatre
Junior Theatre is San Diego’s longest-running youth theatre program, empowering students ages 4 to 18 to explore storytelling, performance, and collaboration in a supportive environment. Through classes, camps, and productions, young artists build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills onstage and off. Each season features a wide range of opportunities, from introductory experiences to advanced training in acting and musical theatre.
Looking for a summer adventure? Junior Theatre’s Summer Camps deliver dynamic programs for grades K–12, including musical theater intensives, acting academies and immersive JT Studio experiences. It’s a place where imagination truly takes center stage.
Address: 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:JuniorTheatre.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 619-239-1311
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
This summer, The Nat is talking trash—literally. Their newest exhibition, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, features larger‑than‑life marine sculptures made of ocean debris collected from beaches. It invites visitors to explore the impact of plastic pollution and discover ways to take action.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the gallery doors. Friday nights, the exhibition transforms into an ocean-themed “dive bar” during Nat at Night. Select Sundays bring something brand new: a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views. Add two new giant-screen films and five floors of nature to explore, and The Nat is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-visit destinations.
Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Website: SDNat.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in summer Phone: 619-232-3821
WorldBeat Cultural Center
The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a nonprofit multidisciplinary cultural organization dedicated to promoting, presenting and preserving Indigenous cultures worldwide through music, art, dance, education, sustainability and community programs. WorldBeat elevates multicultural artists, expands opportunities for cultural enrichment and fosters deeper understanding across traditions. WorldBeat offers a holistic cultural experience that inspires pride, unity, connection and belonging for all ages.
Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 Website:WorldBeatCenter.org Hours: Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6–9 p.m. Exhibits and café: Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Phone: 619-230-1190
Event Calendar
Throughout 2026: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
Step into a world of the weird and wonderful at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Explore hundreds of bizarre artifacts, interactive displays and unbelievable stories that celebrate the curious and the extraordinary.
Presented in partnership with the San Diego Museum of African American Fine Arts, San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods uses augmented reality, oral histories, and archival materials to explore communities and residents displaced by redlining, freeway construction, and other discriminatory policies.
Spend a summer night at The Old Globe. The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre stages Measure for Measure (June 14–July 12) and Much Ado About Nothing (Aug. 2–30), offering two unforgettable Shakespeare productions for just $44.
The Old Globe | 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
June 8–Aug. 7: Theatre Summer Camps
Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.
A museum visit turns into a Sunday Funday with the addition of rooftop brunch, featuring mimosas, bloody Marys, and brunch bites from Wolfish by Wolf in the Woods (June 14, August 9) and Hash House a Go Go (July 12).
Nagashi at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum by floating a lantern to honor loved ones who have passed. Stroll merchant booths, enjoy cultural performances in the Inamori Pavilion, and sample food vendors plus a beer and sake garden in the lower garden.
Explore arts, science, history, and culture in the Balboa Park Cultural District with one convenient, affordable Pass. The Balboa Park Explorer Pass is your ticket to up to 16 museums and endless fun! Purchase your pass at BuyMyExplorer.com.
La Gran Terraza, the University of San Diego’s signature restaurant, has been a campus favorite for over 16 years, offering California cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. This summer, its gastropub, O’Toole’s, is open for evening service —perfect for sunset bites and drinks.
At the helm is chef Marbi Becerra, a Culinary Institute of America alum with roots in the US and Mexico. She now leads culinary operations for La Gran Terraza and USD Catering, bringing bold Mediterranean flavors and a fresh perspective.
Try This!
Seared Scallops: With charred broccolini oyster mushrooms corn puree herb cherry tomatoes and chimichurri
Labora Café offers so much more than premium ceremonial-grade matcha; it’s a lifestyle café where people come to feel more energized, inspired, and connected to their community. Labora partners with retailers and lifestyle brands, from local Pilates instructors to Neiman Marcus, so there’s always something new to learn about or browse when you’re here. As for the drinks, whether you’re thinking matcha or Vietnamese coffee with a specialty house-made foam on top, expect a natural pick-me-up, without extra sugars or syrups.
Try This!
Pistachio 54: Pistachio foam layered with a slow drip Viet coffee or Matcha
Labora Café
8055 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 101, San Diego, California 92111 858-471-6970 | laboracafe.com | @laborasd
Happy Medium lives in the sweet spot: not too fancy, not too gritty. Think dive bar soul with cocktail bar standards. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a beer and a shot, a fancy cocktail, plus a killer spirits list. The menu includes all the best bar classics along with elevated plates. Some would call it a “happy medium.” With your favorite B-side tracks always playing in the background, Happy Medium is the ultimate neighborhood hangout spot.
Try This!
Lava Flowgroni: Pineapple gin layered with strawberry Campari, banana vermouth and coconut, served over crushed party ice.
Happy Medium
4002 30th Street, San Diego, California 92104 619-310-5642 | happymediumsd.com
